There’s no question that the heart and soul of 1806 lies in its cocktail list, which was awarded Best Cocktail List in the World 2008 at the Tales of the Cocktail festival in New Orleans. Compiled by owner Sebastian Reaburn, the list begins in the year 1806, when the word ‘cocktail’ was first defined in print. There is a cocktail to represent each decade from that year to now. Each entry is given a context through a detailed history of where the drink comes from, who first mixed it, who first drank it and how it’s evolved over time.

Be sure to try one of the more unique cocktails for which they’re known, such as the lemon custard margarita, but do also take time with the listed classics, understand their stories, and make use of one of the most knowledgeable bar teams in Melbourne.

The atmosphere can be a little ho-hum in off-peak hours, but you’re not there for the buzz – trust us – the main event is definitely the drinks.